The second annual Backyard Jam is roaring to go this Saturday, 2-7 p.m.
The event is hosted by The Birdfeeder, Clarkston Flower Shoppe and Bonnie & Clyde, located at 7150 North Main Street. All proceeds from the event will go to Desert Angels.
“Last year we were really excited because the beneficiary was Homes for Our Troops, which is fantastic,” said Shari Schulz, owner of Bonnie & Clyde. “What we wanted to do was find something very local. We are always promoting, shop local, eat local, and our entertainment is local. We wanted to find somebody close to home we could connect with.”
They found Desert Angels, a local non-profit organization founded by Louise Downs in October 2001. Desert Angels ships thousands of care packages each year to brave men and women who are serving the United States in the military overseas.
“Everything they do is 100 percent volunteer,” Schulz added. “These women give their time and put a lot of money into a cause they believe in. They were overjoyed someone was helping them for a change.”
The afternoon includes entertainment from local musicians The Locals and Sam and Jeremy as well as face painting, a psychic plus food and refreshments.
It also includes a dunk tank with volunteers from the area including Don Rush, columnist for The Clarkston News, making a reappearance after last year’s event.
Schulz added they are still looking for volunteers if someone would like to cool off on the hot day for a good cause.
She pointed out the event is free.
“Bring the whole family out to listen to music and have fun,” she said.
Proceeds will come from “Backyard Jam 2012” T-shirts, available $12 as long as supplies last.
Proceeds also come from sales of water, beverages, hamburgers, face paintings, visit with the psychic and the dunk tank.
“It’s all based on a ticket system,” Schulz said. “It’s how we did it last year. You can come up and do whatever you want. If they want to throw at Don Rush in the dunk tank – get some tickets.”
“We are super excited because we get to help somebody else who always helps the others,” said Schulz. “We are always going to do Backyard Jam for the troops but finding something local was really important.”
For more information, call 248-625-9711.